Saturday, June 07, 2014

New car launch: Volkswagen officially launches the Mk 7 Volswagen Golf R for Malaysia

The Volkswagen Golf R is officially in town. It will costs those interested RM245,888 without insurance and if you opt for the optional tech pack, RM285,888 without any insurance too. 

This new Mk 7 Golf R is fitted with a newly designed 2.0l TSI engine producing 290hp and 380Nm of torque from as low as 1750rpm via the usual wet clutch DSG transmission unit through all four wheels (a Haldex All-wheel drive system). This allows the Golf  R to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 5 seconds and onwards to around 250kmh easily. It, like any Mk7 Golf is based on VW's pretty good Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform. As with any performance hatchback the Golf R built on a chassis that starts of as a regular Golf hatchback and gets extra engineering built into it. A good foundation is all important, and when it comes to ride, handling as well as NVH, the engineers already have the brilliant chassis of the basic Golf and makes it into the Golf R. 


The Golf R sips petrol too - 6.9l/100km on a combined cycle. And aside from all of that,  the Golf R is equipped with the Multi-collision Brake System, XDS+ on both front and rear axles, 7 airbags, progressive steering, ABS with 2 stage ESC, and Whiplash-optimised front head restraints, to name just a few.

On a personal note I have seen the car a month or so earlier over at VW's HQ here in Kuala Lumpur. Typically Golf with some large wheels and that nice blue colour. One little disappointment with the new Golf R is that the seats look pretty normal, like a Golf GTI \'s usual Recaro seats with R printed on it instead of those specced in the Mk6 Golf R, which were fancier bucket-like seats. I suppose VW is saving that for a future Golf 400R variant if they do build one. Whatever the case is, the 2014 Golf R takes the Golf GTI and adds a dose of performance and character. Character is important these days. It isn't always about immense power and speed but how the car makes you feel when you drive it at any speed.

PRESS RELEASE

• 380Nm of torque for 0 – 100km/h acceleration in 5 seconds

• New 4MOTION all-wheel drive system 

• State-of-the-art technology with exclusive ‘R’ features

KUALA LUMPUR, 6 June 2014 – Motorists and race enthusiasts have 

much to be eager about as Volkswagen Group Malaysia today officially 

announces the highly anticipated arrival of the fastest production Golf 

ever – the all-new Golf R.

As the fourth generation Golf R, this compact powerhouse combines 

a 2.0-litre newly designed turbocharged petrol direct-injection (TSI) 

engine that develops 380Nm of torque and approximately 290 hp for a 

0 – 100 acceleration within 5 seconds. To ensure that unrivalled control 

when on the road, the Golf R transfers engine power to the road via a 

permanent all-wheel drive system; in this case, it is the latest version of 

the 4MOTION system with a fifth-generation Haldex coupling. 

“The new Golf R is an amalgamation of racing technology, pure power 

and everyday drivability that produces sportiness in the fast lane. It is 

the distillation of performance that equates to a pure adrenaline rush 

created by our colleagues at Volkswagen R GmbH specially to satisfy 

the hunger of motorists looking for an outstanding driving performance,” 

said Mr Christoph Aringer, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group 

Malaysia.

The fourth generation Golf R continues the legacy of its predecessor 

in transplanting Volkswagen’s latest advanced racing technology into 

a series of vehicle that now enters the Malaysian market with a host of 

new and enhanced features.


“Build for racing but equally practical for daily driving, the Golf R is 

a pinnacle of race-inspired cars and it is a pure adrenaline rush on 

wheels. It is a synthesis of sportiness, comfort and safety; and we are 

confident that the latest Golf R will win the hearts of racing enthusiasts 

in Malaysia,” added Mr Aringer.

Engine and Performance

The new Golf R delivers a unique synthesis of maximum dynamic 

performance and ideal long touring capabilities. It is equipped with a 

2.0 litre TSI turbocharged direct petrol injection engine mated to a 6-

speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) to develop an impressive 290 hp / 

280PS. As a performance car without compromise, the Golf R produces 

a maximum torque of 380Nm kicking in from a low 1750rpm – enabling 

this sports car to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 5 seconds. In addition, 

the latest generation 4MOTION all-wheel drive system is coupled with a 

6-speed gearbox that has a reinforced clutch and short-travel shifting.

The combination of TSI and DSG technology gives the Golf R a 

surprisingly frugal fuel consumption of 6.9 litres/100km on the combined 

cycle, which makes it more fuel efficient from its predecessor – allowing 

drivers to go a distance of approximately 14.5 km per litre. 

Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB)

Tightly packaged with state-of-the-art technology, the new Golf R now 

rides on the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform, a combination 

of standardised and variable dimensions allowing flexibility in vehicle 

dimensions. Enabling simple integration of alternative drives in the 

future, MQB’s lightweight construction reduced the Golf R’s weight by up 

to 46 kg.

Enhanced Features

The Golf R is even more fuel efficient than before as it is equipped with 

a Stop-Start system and battery regeneration, where it converts the 

kinetic energy applied when driving or braking to recharge the vehicle 

battery. 

The Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold keeps the Golf R stationary 

once it comes to a complete stop without having to press the brake 

pedal, providing further convenience for drivers stuck in traffic. Further 

enhancing the experience for discerning drivers, the Dynamic Chassis 

Control (DCC) with a 5 mode Driving Profile Selection (tech pack) allows 

owners to suit driving profile properties to their individual needs and 

driving behaviour. 

On the entertainment and multimedia front, the new Golf R is equipped 

with ‘Discover Pro’, a new infotainment system with 8 inch TFT (Thin 

Film Transistor) touchscreen capacitive colour display with proximity 

sensors (tech pack), and a navigation system with voice control. 

Offering multiple connectivity options such as a USB port, AUX IN and 

Bluetooth, the system allows for music playback from MP3, WMA and 

AAC files with title display from its SD slot.

Safety Features

The new Golf R comes with new and uncompromised safety features 

including the Multi-collision Brake System which triggers automatic 

braking once an initial collision has been detected. This safety feature 

is to avoid follow-on collisions. In addition, the Golf R is equipped with 

XDS+ at the front and rear axles. This functionality is applied to a larger 

range of dynamic performance – making the vehicle even more agile 

when the car is not in an acceleration state.

The Golf R is additionally equipped with 7 airbags, progressive steering, 

Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with 2 stage Electronic Stability Control 

(ESC), Whiplash-optimised front head restraints, Anti-Theft Alarm 

System and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). When the ESC 

button is pressed for longer than three seconds, the system is fully 

deactivated for professional driving on a race track – this deactivation 

is only available in the Golf R and not in any other models of the Golf 

series.

Interior

Meticulously built with the best materials and without compromise, 

the new Golf R is equipped with the “R” multi-function leather steering 

wheel, “R” Alcantara seats with “R” logo, “R” “Carbon Touch” decorative 

inserts for dashboard and door trim panels, Piano Black decorative 

inserts for centre console, multi-function display “Premium” with Lap 

Timer function and illuminated front door panels and scuff plates – 

giving it the premium racing look and feel. 

This compact sports model is equipped with the standard LED reading 

lights for front and rear, LED footlights, auto dimming interior rear 

view mirror and “Climatronic” air conditioning with 2-zone temperature 

control. Further enhancing the experience for discerning drivers, the 

Tech Pack package sees the addition of “Vienna” leather upholstery, 

12-way electric adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control with speed limiter 

and a KESSY keyless entry and starting system.

Exterior 

The Golf R, one of the sportiest compact models in the world, is fitted 

with front and rear fascia unique to racing hatchback. It is equipped 

with its signature “R” design front bumper, “R” design front grille, “R” 

design rear bumper with diffuser, “R” design Bi-xenon headlights with 

LED daytime running lights and dynamic bending lights. The Golf R is 

characterised by newly designed 18-inch "Cadiz" alloy wheels, matt 

chrome exterior mirrors, dual twin tailpipes and dark red LED taillights. 

The Tech Pack version features even more innovations, such as 19 

inch “Cadiz” alloy wheels, panoramic roof and ‘Rear Assist’ rear view 

camera. 

The new Golf R is offered in four colour choices: Lapiz Blue Metallic, 

Tornado Red, Pure White and Deep Black Pearl. Available for booking 

at all Volkswagen dealerships in Peninsular Malaysia from 6 June, the 

new Golf R is priced at RM245,888, with the optional Tech Pack with 

additional features raising the price to RM285,888.

For more information on the new Golf R, please visit 

www.volkswagen.com.my

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